Chicken and Broccoli – This stir fry chicken broccoli with a delicious sauce that you can whip up in no time, making it perfect for busy families or anyone trying to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and nutrient-rich broccoli, it’s low in carbs but high in flavor.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences (I’ll show you how in the variations section).
- Minimal ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to make a delicious meal.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken and Broccoli
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a depth of flavor that really brings this dish to life. Avoid using pre-minced garlic in jars, as it tends to lack the same punch.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli: To maintain its bright green color and crisp texture, be sure to only blanch or sauté your broccoli for a few minutes.
- Marinate your chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Double the sauce: If you like your dish extra saucy, double the sauce ingredients. It’s perfect for spooning over rice!
Variations of Chicken and Broccoli
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can modify it based on your dietary needs or preferences.
Keto Chicken and Broccoli
- To make this dish keto-friendly, skip the cornstarch and soy sauce. Instead, use tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) or coconut aminos and thicken the sauce with a sprinkle of xanthan gum.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- If you prefer an Asian-inspired stir-fry, add some sliced bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas to the skillet. You can also drizzle a little sesame oil at the end for a nutty finish.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli
- For a creamy twist, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce. You can also sprinkle in some parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
- Turn this recipe into a casserole by adding cooked rice or pasta, then top with shredded cheese. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli
- Over Rice: The classic option is serving it over steamed white or brown rice.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or sautéed zucchini noodles for a lighter meal.
- With Noodles: Toss the chicken and broccoli with cooked lo mein or rice noodles for a quick Asian-inspired dish.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken and Broccoli
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: You can also freeze the chicken and broccoli for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works great in this recipe. You can skip the blanching step and add it directly to the skillet. Just make sure to cook it for an extra minute or two to ensure it heats through.
What kind of chicken should I use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts cook quicker and are leaner.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chicken and broccoli is perfect for meal prep. Cook the recipe as instructed, then portion it out into meal prep containers with your choice of side.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
The key to tender chicken is not overcooking it. Slice your chicken thinly so it cooks evenly and quickly. You can also marinate the chicken beforehand to keep it moist and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free.
Chicken and Broccoli
Chicken and Broccoli - This stir fry chicken broccoli with a delicious sauce that you can whip up in no time, making it perfect for busy families or anyone trying to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken and Veggies:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 lb white mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 1 lb broccoli florets
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil (I love extra light olive oil)
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced into strips
Stir-Fry Sauce:
- 2/3 cup low sodium chicken broth (warm it to help dissolve the ingredients)
- 1 Tbsp corn starch
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar (or honey for sweetness)
- 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce (Tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus extra for seasoning the chicken
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tsp grated garlic (about 2 small cloves)
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until the sugar and corn starch dissolve. Set it aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 Tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, season with pepper, and let it sear for a minute without stirring. Then stir-fry for about 5 more minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Stir-Fry the Veggies: In the same pan, add the remaining oil along with the broccoli, onion, and mushrooms.
- Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until the mushrooms are softened and the broccoli is crisp-tender. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Combine Everything: Stir the sauce again (to make sure the corn starch hasn't settled) and pour it over the veggies. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the garlic and ginger mellow out. Add water if you need to thin the sauce.
- Final Touch: Return the chicken to the pan and stir everything together for another 30 seconds until heated through. Taste and add more soy sauce if needed.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 431Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 116mgSodium 639mgCarbohydrates 21gFiber 5gSugar 9gProtein 46g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This chicken and broccoli recipe is more than just a healthy weeknight dinner—it’s a flavorful, versatile dish that you can easily customize to your liking. Whether you’re craving an Asian-inspired stir-fry or something creamy and comforting, this recipe has got you covered. Plus, with the tips, tricks, and variations mentioned above, you’ll have no trouble making it your own. Try it out this week, and don’t forget to share your favorite variations in the comments below!
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